Iowa Workforce Development recently released employment numbers for the month of November. It shows roughly a steady unemployment rate: 3-point-4 percent.

While that low number might appear healthy compared with higher state and national rates, Washington Economic Development Group Executive Director Ed Raber says that it also poses a challenge to employers that might not have as many applicants to choose from for a given job opening.

Raber says he would like to see the labor force grow either by a larger overall population or more opportunities for people that come to the Washington County for employment.